Plaque and tarter can lead to painful periodontal { gum} disease and eventual tooth loss . If plaque — a soft white or yellow substance — is allowed to remain on the teeth, tarter can develop . Tarter is quite hard and must be removed by scaling , which is often done under anesthesia at a veterinary clinic .
To prevent oral disease , regular brushing — every two to three days — is highly recommended for all dogs . This may be done with a child’s toothbrush and a small amount of canine toothpaste or a dab of paste made by mixing baking soda and water . ( DO NOT USE TOOTHPASTE DESIGNED FOR HUMANS , SINCE DOGS CAN NOT RINSE AFTER BRUSHING ) A gauze pad wrapped around the finger can substitute for a toothbrush . Either way , the teeth should be scrubbed from crown to gum .
It is believed that dry food and hard chew -toys reduce the formation of tarter . However , this does not eliminate the need for additional teeth-cleaning or even periodic scaling . If the dog’s gums bleed , appear reddened , or recede from the surface of the teeth, check with your veterinarian !
